Organizational Tape Hack: Never lose that beginning line of tape in a roll again

You know how it’s really annoying sometimes to find that starting line in the tape so that you can start using it?

You end up scratching at the whole tape, feeling it with your fingers, trying DESPERATELY to find that little cut line that says: Use your fingernails HERE!

Well, here’s the super easy hack that I’ve done for a number of years.

(It seems that not everyone knows about this because I always get asked about WHY I am keeping a stupid blue tab and not tossing it in the garbage)

Click to embiggen if need be.

EXHIBIT A:

ANNOYING LINE IN THE TAPE THAT IS REALLY HARD TO SEE

STEP 1:

CREATE A BLUE TAB THAT YOU CAN RE-USE TO FIND THE SPOT

When you start with a new roll, I suggest cutting off about 2″ of tape with the tab, and then wrapping the tape AROUND the tab so that it doesn’t stick to the tape.

You can use anything really, it doesn’t have to be the starting blue tab that you cut off and usually throw in the garbage, but it’s easier if you keep it, because it’s coloured and you can use it to find the line easily.

If you don’t have a new roll, just cut a big piece of tape and wrap it around itself so that it’s flat and won’t stick to the tape underneath. You can decide to wrap this around a piece of coloured paper so that it’s easier to see, but that’s just for my super detail-oriented friends.

STEP 2:

USE THE BLUE TAB TO NEVER LOSE YOUR PLACE AGAIN

Now every time you want to start using the tape, just pull the tab towards you, and the tape’s starting point lifts off.

Keep the tab, and once you’re done using the tape, stick it back right where the starting point is.

It saves a few seconds to minutes (depending on the quality of the tape you are using) but it saves a lot more in frustration and swear words.

STEP 3:

TAH DAH!!!! (ACTION SHOT)

This is how you use it, and this is the reason why it needs to be taped all the way around, so it stops sticking to the tape itself.

Enjoy the lack of frustration in your life with this simple hack. 😛